NAIROBI, Kenya – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto’s administration of unleashing armed goons to disrupt peaceful demonstrations in Nairobi, in what he described as a blatant abuse of state power and a violation of constitutional rights.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kalonzo condemned the violent scenes witnessed in the capital during protests demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, a 31-year-old teacher and influencer who died in police custody on June 7.
“Under Ruto’s orders, goons on motorbikes supported by the police attempted to disrupt peaceful demonstrations by terrorising innocent children and people expressing their fundamental rights,” Kalonzo said.
The former vice president accused the National Police Service, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of turning a blind eye to what he termed “state-sponsored terrorism against Kenyans.”
We are witnessing a clear dereliction of duty on the part of the National Police Service, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).The Kenya Kwanza disastrous regime has absolutely failed Kenyans. Under Ruto’s orders,
Kalonzo’s statement comes just hours after violent clashes erupted in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), where masked men wielding clubs and riding motorcycles attacked protesters.
Witnesses said police officers stood by or simultaneously lobbed teargas at demonstrators instead of stopping the assailants.
Videos and images circulating online showed protesters being chased through city streets by unidentified youths, with at least two motorcycles torched and one suspect reportedly killed, though authorities have yet to confirm the incident.
The protests, largely led by Gen Z activists, were held to demand accountability for Ojwang’s death and call for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who has since stepped aside.
Musyoka cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities.
“What we are witnessing is not only a breakdown of law and order, but a regime that has no regard for our Constitution. Kenyans have a right to protest—and the state has a duty to protect them, not to unleash violence upon them,” he said.
Other opposition figures and civil society groups have also condemned the attacks and called for independent investigations.
